I have a problem. The mechanic I use for a lot of the work on my bus has put me on the spot. He built and installed a roll out tray for my house batteries, and when I asked him how much he said you decide! On the surface that sounds great but I don't want to insult or overpay him. My question is what have you paid for the same thing, 21" by 24", roller bearings, good job?

He should know how much he spent on materials, even if he is shy about asking for his labor. He will also have an estimate of how much time he spent on it. Those questions should get you closer to what he thinks its worth.

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Jim StewartEl Cajon, Ca. (San Diego area)

Travel is more than the seeing of sights, it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.

Well i'm gonna jump in here and tell ya I've been the mechanic who did exactly what Wayne's has! I did some custom work for a guy who told me what he wanted, I spent way more time than required by someone who did that type of work regularly, but I took my time and did an excellent job on "a learning experience". With that said I didn't feel justified in charging him for the time spent, didn't have a clue as to how much my materials should've cost as I used stuff I'd been keeping around for a special project one day. Didn't have a clue what a regular fabricator would've charged for the same job. Also didn't have a clue as to what he was willing to pay for it! Well since he was a good customer, and I valued his business I did the same thing as Wayne's guy. Told him just pay me what ever it's worth to you! Well he started asking how much $ did ya spend, how much time did ya put into it, how much does this normally go for? I finally told to shop it around and give me what he was comfortable with, boy I was shocked whe n he came by a couple months later and reminded me he still owed me for it, and handed me what I thought was way too much! He told me no you keep it, they want twice that for a half assed version with no installation, & I really feel I owe you for that too. But I just don't have it right now! Well I agreed to take what he was giving me as long as he agreed we were even! We've been doing business for yrs now! So I understand both sides of the deal here! So Wayne the best thing I can suggest is too check around like you are, and also let him know you value his work and don't wish to put a price on his job, and ask him for a fair price, if he still doesn't come up with one tell him you'll research it more and get back with him. He's just afraid of insulting you and losing your business, as you are his! BK

BK is right on the mark. If you try to over-pay him, you will be ahead of the game. If you under-pay him, he may be 'busy' every time you call.

If he is a good mechanic & you like working with him, give him as much $$ as you can followed with lots of grattitude. You will have a mechanic who looks forward to helping you.

Now to estimate the value of the service -The labor rates at most shops start at $50/hr & go up from there (rapidly). He probably spent a day on it & had fun doing it. The bearings & slides can easily cost over $100. some can do it for less..... A picture will let us know the ballpark of material quality & construction.

Good Luck!

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I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. (R.M. Nixon)

I took the easy way and bought a premade slide for $450 including freight. Then paid $150 to have it installed. It handles 8 of the golf cart batteries very well and is designed to handle 10 if needed. It slides so easy it is scary. Yes it might be a shade of the pricey side but I am very happy with it. My old one took a line backer and two boys to pull it out. The reason I paid to have it installed was I was not conforntable with all the wiring, I hate electric, and did not want to burn up my invertor.ED MCI 7

MD - keep an eye on the Eplace - I bought a pair of 200# (each) full extension chassis slides (brand new) for about $50 for both including shipping that retail for almost $200 EACH + shipping - such a deal and they work great - the guy had quite a few of them, maybe all sold out now but there should be others - HTH